What is the Right Age for Orthodontics?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child receive an initial orthodontic examination as early as age 7. The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment result. Since no two patients are alike, there is not a specific age that is best to begin treatment.

Orthodontic treatment is appropriate for children and adults. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist can help prevent more serious problems. Dr. Honig emphasizes early screening for correcting developmental and jaw irregularities during a child's growth stage. This treatment for facial esthetics often lessens the need to extract permanent teeth.

While most people tend to associate orthodontics with children, adults are also prime candidates for treatment. Adults of all ages will fully appreciate the return on their orthodontic investment with better dental health and a great smile.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

Parts of Braces

• Appliance - Anything the orthodontist attaches to your teeth to move your teeth or to change the shape of your jaw.
• Arch Wire - A metal wire which is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.
• Band - A metal ring that is usually placed on your teeth to hold on parts of your braces.
• Bracket - A metal or ceramic part that is glued onto a tooth and serves as a means of fastening the arch wire.
• Buccal Tube - A small metal part that is welded on the outside of a molar bank. The buccal tube contains slots to hold arch wires, lip bumpers, facebows and other things your orthodontist uses to move your teeth.
• Chain, Orthodontic Chain - A stretchy plastic chain used to hold arch wires into brackets and to move teeth.
• Ligating Module - A small plastic piece, shaped like a donut, which is used to hold the arch wires in the brackets on your teeth.
• Lip Bumper - A lip bumper is used to push the molars on your lower jaw back to create more space for other teeth.
• Mouthguard - A device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sports. The use of a mouthguard is especially important for orthodontic patients, to prevent injuries.
• Palatal Expander - A device used to make your jaw wider.
• Retainer - A gadget that the orthodontist gives you to wear after they remove your braces. The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth and holds them in the correct position. You wear the retainer at night to make sure that none of your teeth move while your jaw hardens and your teeth get strongly attached to your jaw.
• Separator - A plastic or metal part which the orthodontist uses to create space between your teeth for bands.
• Wax - A clear wax used to prevent your braces from irritating your lips when your braces are first put on, or at other times.